Gankeng's Hakka Bamboo Hat

Video by Liu Xudong

In Shenzhen’s Longgang District lies the enchanting and time-honored Hakka village of Gankeng.

This picturesque settlement is one of the 10 ancient Hakka villages in the city.

A view of part of Gankeng Ancient Town. Liu Xudong

Rafael Antonio Saavedra Molina visits Gankeng Ancient Town. Xu Shuntian

About 200 years ago, Hakka bamboo hat craftsmanship was introduced to Gankeng from Fujian Province in East China.

Hakka bamboo hats, known as “Liangmao” in Chinese, are aptly named as they provide a cool shade.

Saavedra wears a bamboo hat. Xu Shuntian

In a bid to preserve the skill, the craftsmanship of Gankeng Hakka bamboo hats was included in the list of Guangdong’s provincial intangible cultural heritage in 2013.

Saavedra (2nd R) visit a Liangmao museum in Gankeng.

To further promote Shenzhen’s intangible cultural heritage legacies, including the bamboo hats, Shenzhen Daily is producing a Chinese-English documentary series called “Shifu.”

Saavedra learns making a bamboo hat from Zhang Ruizheng at Gankeng Community in Longgang District in August. Liu Xudong

Divided into four episodes, this series offers an intimate exploration of four iconic local intangible cultural heritage items, capturing the essence and wisdom passed down through generations in this young and modern metropolis.

Saavedra (R) poses for a photo with Zhang Ruizheng (L) at Gankeng Community in Longgang District in August. Xu Shuntian

In the first episode, we invited Rafael Antonio Saavedra Molina from Venezuela to the Gankeng Community to learn the art of making a “Liangmao” as an apprentice. The community is home to the idyllic Gankeng Ancient Town, which is adjacent to an intangible cultural heritage hub known as Liangmao (bamboo hat) New Village. In the village, three revered craftsmen — Zhang Guanxian, Zhang Ruizheng and Zhu Yixiang — actively engage in preserving Gankeng’s Hakka bamboo hat-making tradition.

Saavedra learns making a bamboo hat from Zhang Ruizheng at Gankeng Community in Longgang District in August. Liu Xudong

During his apprenticeship, Saavedra learned how to make a bamboo hat from the “shifus” with great enthusiasm and excitement.

The pilot episode “Hakka Bamboo Hats” is now available for viewing on the EyeShenzhen and Shenzhen Daily’s WeChat Channels.